Mark Zuckerberg Matchmaker Takes On The Dating Industry

This week Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced a new dating feature that would be added to Facebook’s mobile app called Facebook Dating that some have deemed “FaceDate.” Although Facebook is the largest social network in the world, in terms of fostering relationships the only feature available since its inception is the infamous Relationship Status box that allows users to share if they are single, in a relationship or “its complicated”.

In the keynote, Zuckerberg stated that 1 in 3 marriages start online, meaning this venture has been overlooked for a decade. Zuckerberg said since their focus is to help people find meaningful relationships, a life partner would be the most meaningful of all.

Adding the dating mode feature makes Facebook a huge competitor in the dating app world. This feature could then be a strategic move to attract a younger demo and regain those that made up Facebook majority but has now left for other social media platforms.

Of course these features are optional and users will have to opt in to see other users dating profiles.. Facebook events can be unlocked by both users allow them to connect to people attending local events or connect with people in similar groups. “FaceDate” would provide the most relevant matches based on mutual friends and other data that other platforms simply cant provide.

Tons of people find their significant other on Facebook anyway, this feature may just make it easier. Facebook said there will be more information about the new Dating features in the next few months including a release date and testing phase.